This archive report was first published on 17 June 2020.
On June 17, 2020, the State House announced that four of its employees had tested positive for Covid-19, a stark reminder that the pandemic knows no boundaries.
Until then, Kenya's seat of power had seemed relatively safe from the virus, but this latest development has shattered that illusion.
As the world has seen, even top leaders are not immune to the virus. British Prime Minister Boris Johnson and Prince Charles are among those who have contracted the virus but survived. In Africa, South Sudan's Vice-President, Dr Riek Machar, and several ministers, as well as Burundi's former First Lady Denise Nkurunziza, have also been infected.
The State House's announcement is significant, as it serves as a wake-up call for all of us to take the pandemic seriously and adhere to safety protocols.
Unfortunately, in recent weeks, Kenyans have relaxed their vigilance, disregarding safety measures such as social distancing, wearing face masks in public, and maintaining high hygiene standards.
However, government projections indicate that we are not yet out of the woods. The number of infections has been rising daily, with a cumulative total of 3,860 cases out of 121,956 people tested, and over 100 deaths.
On a positive note, more people are recovering from the virus, giving hope that it is not a death sentence.
The revelation also highlights the need to end the stigma associated with Covid-19 infection. Health ministry officials have noted that the stigma has undermined the fight against the virus, with many people shunning voluntary testing and others avoiding hospital visits for fear of testing positive.
Correct and comprehensive information about the virus and its handling is crucial in addressing the stigma. The government has started relaxing some regulations, such as extending curfew hours and allowing hotels and restaurants to operate until 7:30 pm, but this does not mean safety regulations have been suspended.
As we navigate the coming weeks, it is essential that we adhere to safety protocols to prevent an increase in infections.
